Classic Minis have become the subject of excessive tuning work in recent years. We saw several pretty impressive builds, including a Mini with a 500 horsepower Acura V6 engine. If you’re looking for something more eco-friendly but still packed in the same original packaging, BMW Group might have the right answer for you. People, enter Mini Recharged.
The British automaker is inviting owners of classic Minis to convert their cars into emission-free machines with modern electric powertrains. There is no pricing available yet, but Mini says only reversible modifications are made to the vehicle and the combustion engines are marked and stored so they can be reused should the owner wish to revert to the combustion powertrain. original in the future.
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More importantly, though, Mini promises the go-kart feel behind the wheel won’t be ruined. We’re guessing performance will be a huge boost over a stock classic Mini, as the Mini Recharged comes with a 120 horsepower (90 kilowatts) electric motor. It can propel the small hatch from a standstill to 62 miles per hour (0-62 mph) in about nine seconds, three to four seconds faster than a stock Mini.
There are no details regarding battery capacity, although Mini says expected range on a full charge will be around 100 miles (160 kilometres). The charging power can reach 6.6 kW. The manufacturer is proud that the original central instrument cluster on the dashboard is retained in its original form, but now displays information on driving temperature, selected gear, range and speed. As one of the main advantages of the vehicle, Mini claims that the reborn classic model can be driven in central areas of cities where combustion cars are banned.
A dedicated team from Mini Plant Oxford will be responsible for the development and modernization of the electric powertrain of classic Minis.
